1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible Restomod

Description

GM really got things right with the 1968-72 A-bodies like this gorgeous 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible Restomod. Perfectly proportioned and able to accommodate any engine on the roster, they were the ultimate factory-built custom cars. Today, convertibles like this fuel-injected LS9 beauty are just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

To many, the Chevelle was the ultimate A-body, and this '71 certainly lives up to the reputation. A lot of folks prefer the single-headlight look of the '71-'72s, and combined with the striking Blue Metallic paint job (originally code 75 Cranberry Red, but we consider the change in shade a modern upgrade), complete with white SS stripes, the result is a car that gets noticed everywhere it goes. The sheetmetal appears to be in good condition and the paint was properly applied to give it a deep, high-quality driver look. The paint is two-stage urethane, so it has a brilliant shine, and with the stripes in the stock locations, the look is seamless. Perfect it is not, but my goodness does this car look great bombing down the road. Slick features include the prominent grille, hood pins, a cowl hood, and proper badges throughout, and there are few more menacing views in a rear-view mirror than a mean-mugging Chevelle thundering up behind you. It's also got nice chrome, particularly the bumpers which shine up well, and there's something special about shiny chrome on a blue car that really gets attention. And of course, this is a highly-desirable drop-top, with a black vinyl top featuring clear back glass.

Sporty black vinyl buckets wrap around a custom center console that includes a horseshoe shifter, giving this ragtop a slick interior to match its vivid exterior finish. Modern buckets, a stock-style rear bench, plush black carpets, and beautiful door panels give it a new outlook on life, and the upscale stitching on the front buckets and middle console of this particular Chevelle makes it feel like a much more upscale car. The factory instruments make way for a full-set of Dakota Digital gauges give a much more accurate and comprehensive look at what's going on under the hood, and although different than a traditional SS dash bezel, they're very informative nonetheless. A newer Pioneer media head unit that was custom fitted to the console provides the soundtrack, and there's a cool 4-spoke Grant GT steering wheel that looks right in the vintage Chevy's interior. Overhead, there's a black, power convertible top, complete with glass rear window, and you'll be pleased to see that the trunk is completely finished to match the interior and houses two Kicker subwoofers.

Open the cowl hood and you'll find a thumping 6.2L LS9 V8 cubic inch V8 dressed in black-and-blue war paint. Effortless and easy in everything it does, this incredibly responsive block pulls the convertible around with enthusiasm. Some of that is obviously due to the fuel injection and modern intake manifold, the latter of which was painted black to blend in with the inner fenders, although the valve covers match the firewall and glisten in the sunshine. The engine bay is nicely detailed and in great condition, proving that someone spent a lot of time and money getting it into shape when it was installed only 808 miles ago. Underneath, long-tube headers were added along with a throaty Magnaflow dual exhaust system, so it certainly sounds like all the horsepower showed up to party. A 6-speed automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end are rugged enough to take anything you throw at them and power steering and power disc brakes all around remedy what was one of the Chevelle's lone shortcomings. Flashy chrome wheels look perfect on this aggressive restomod and carry Nitto performance radials all-around.

A gorgeous convertible with plenty of horsepower, what better way to enjoy a sunny day? Sweet droptops like this never last long. Call today!